When one thinks of Santa Claus, it’s a stereotypical image of the eternal ambassador of goodwill, who brings joy and happiness to millions of children around the world. He is the North Pole’s most celebrated resident, the avuncular-looking person with his flowing white beard, togs in red and white, and his must-have companions, the reindeer with the sleigh. Who constantly beams with a loud ‘Ho ho ho!’
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But would you ever imagine that Santa Claus and his elves could be part of a real-world police force? Well, that is exactly what happened in California, where Santa turned out to be an undercover cop out to scupper the plans of thieves.
Santa Claus embraces a child in Everett, Massachusetts. File/AFP
At a shopping mall, Santa and his ‘elf’ nabbed some shoplifters, according to a report on the website of a Canadian TV network.
Video from the scene shows a suspect pulling out of the parking lot while three other officers try to stop him and his companions. The man makes a getaway but the police collar the other two men, thanks to help from ‘St Nicholas.’
A video shows one officer, dressed like an elf, looming over a suspect. Seconds later, Santa makes a dash to catch the second suspect who is about to break himself free.
Police took the two men into custody and later recovered the stolen car.